Can You Name 6 Styles of Writing Conferences? Take the Quiz and Find Out!

Student scheduled conferences... LitCentric.com Click to Flip
Student scheduled conferences are common during workshop. Students identify their own needs as writers and seek assistance from their teacher, or other supportive adult in the classroom, to help them think through problems and determine next steps. The power in these conferences lies in the idea that students can learn to monitor their progress and take ownership of their development as writers. LitCentric.com

Teacher scheduled conferences... LitCentric.com Click to Flip
Teacher scheduled conferences are initiated by the teacher when specific students have demonstrated the need for greater guidance or intervention during the workshop. Skilled writing instructors call this type of conference when they notice a student veering off course, struggling a bit too long in a particular area, or when a pep talk is needed writer-to-writer. LitCentric.com

Small group conferences... LitCentric.com Click to Flip
Small group conferences are a way to maximize time during workshop by working with several students at once who have similar learning needs. Teachers analyze their notes, achievement data, and student writing samples to determine which students have the same needs at a particular moment in time. It's important to remember that small group conferences are dynamic groupings that help to scaffold instruction and return students to the independence of workshop as soon as possible. LitCentric.com

Peer conferences... LitCentric.com Click to Flip
Peer conferences can help increase student independence and forge strong bonds between writers in a classroom community. Students initiate conferences with one another and conduct themselves in similar ways to student scheduled conferences. Peer conferences can save time in the workshop because students help one another think through writing concerns before consulting the teacher. That way, some initial issues can be resolved and the conference with the teacher can be more focused and goal-oriented. LitCentric.com

Drop-in conferences... LitCentric.com Click to Flip
Drop-in conferences are the most efficient form of conferencing in workshop. The teacher roams the room engaging writers in brief, in-the-moment conversations. Teachers may ask questions, offer compliments, provide suggestions, or a combination of the three. Drop-ins can help educators capture the status of the class as well as touch base with individual writers. LitCentric.com

Demonstration conferences... LitCentric.com Click to Flip
Demonstration conferences are held with one student while the rest of the class plays the role of audience. Demonstrations help clarify and celebrate writing for every student writer and offer opportunities for students to ask questions, make connections, and reflect on their own writing work. It's important to obtain permission for the demonstration from the featured student writer and to maintain a supportive writing climate throughout. LitCentric.com